Incapacity benefit claimants found fit for work

Figures for the first 141,100 claimants to start the reassessment process showed that 37 per cent of those whose claims had been concluded had been found fit for work, with the rest entitled to employment and support allowance (ESA).

The Department for Work and Pensions said a third were placed in the work related activity group, where they will receive personalised support to help them prepare for a move into suitable work, while 29 per cent will receive unconditional financial support and will not be expected to work.

Employment Minister Chris Grayling said: “These first figures completely justify our decision to reassess all the people on incapacity benefit. To have such a high percentage who are fit for work just emphasises what a complete waste of human lives the current system has been.

“We know that for many it will be a long haul back to work but it’s much better to help them on the journey than to leave them on benefits for the rest of their lives.”

Around 1.5 million incapacity benefit claimants started being reassessed in 2010 and will either be moved on to ESA or be found fit to work as part of the Government’s reform of the welfare system.

The figures do not include information on appeals claimants are entitled to lodge.